Kolbe's apparent strategy is "An Echo, Not A Choice." But on immigration, the views of Americans in general are more extreme than almost any member of the political class. Someone who promises to actually defend the border will get votes from both Republicans and Democrats. Here's another quote from the article:

Guess what? That's how most voters feel. It's only the "bipartisan" consensus that keeps Republicans from beating Democrats like a drum with this issue. That, and the President's plan for amnesty, of course.